Sale 1339 — United States Stamps
Sale Date — Thursday-Friday, 12-13 December, 2024
Category — 1873-93 Bank Note Issues
30c Gray Black, Continental J. Grill (165c). Original gum, small h.r., clear and easily recognizable Continental grill points on crisp white paper in a greenish shade typical of Continental printings, crisp impression, completely sound
VERY FINE AND EXTREMELY RARE. THIS IS ONE OF ONLY TWO EXAMPLES OF THE 30-CENT CONTINENTAL GRILLED STAMP CERTIFIED AS GENUINE BY THE PHILATELIC FOUNDATION. IT IS THE ONLY SOUND EXAMPLE, AND IT IS THE ONLY ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE CERTIFIED.
It is believed that the Continental grills were made experimentally in 1876, after a stamp-cleaning court trial renewed fears of stamp re-use. The primary source of the rare J Grills was the Worthington collection, which was dispersed in 1917. The Aug. 21, 1917 sale by J.C. Morgenthau contained a block of four of the 30c. It is believed that most or all examples in collectors' hands of the J Grills overall came from the archive of Charles F. Steel, who patented the grilling machines used between 1867 and 1873.
The P.F. has certified only one other, without gum and with a slight paperfold probably caused by grilling which is noted on its certificate as a light vertical crease. We last offered it in 2013 (Sale 1053, lot 153).
Ex Caspary (where acquired by the consignor's father). With 2024 P.F. certificate.
10c Brown, With Secret Mark (188). Original gum, deep rich color, unusually choice centerting with wide and balanced margins
EXTREMELY FINE ORIGINAL-GUM EXAMPLE OF THE 1879 10-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE WITH SECRET MARK. VERY DIFFICULT TO FIND IN THIS QUALITY, ESPECIALLY WITH ORIGINAL GUM.
With 2024 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, XF 90). Only three grade higher.
15c Red Orange (189). Mint N.H., vibrant color, fresh and Very Fine, with 2005 P.F. certificate
30c Full Black (190). Original gum, intense shade and impression, well-balanced margins, Very Fine and choice, with 2001 P.F. certificate
7c Scarlet Vermilion, Special Printing (196). Without gum as issued, vibrant color
FRESH AND FINE EXAMPLE OF THE 1880 7-CENT AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY SPECIAL PRINTING.
Census no. 196-UNC-89. With 2012 P.F. certificate.
1c-10c 1881-82 American Bank Note Issue, Plate Proofs on Card (205P4-209P4). Set of five matching bottom left corner imprint and plate number blocks of 30, each with part arrow at right, large margins, 6c with some natural smudging at right
EXTREMELY FINE. A PHENOMENAL SET OF MATCHED CORNER MARGIN IMPRINT AND PLATE NUMBER BLOCKS OF THE 1881-82 AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY ISSUE.
The Siegel firm auctioned the Lilly India and card proof sheets in September 1967. One set of panes remains complete in a private collection. The other panes were broken up, and these blocks of 30 originate from those panes.
Unpriced in Scott.
6c Deep Brown Red (208a). Original gum, barest trace of hinging, deep rich color, exceptional centering, most recent certificate notes tiny natural pinhole and is ugraded, Extremely Fine appearance, ex Curtis, with 2007 and 2024 P.S.E. certificates (former OGph, XF-Superb 95 Jumbo; SMQ $2,200)
10c Brown (209). Mint N.H., rich color, wide margins, Very Fine and choice, with 2004 P.F. certificate
2c Pale Red Brown, Special Printing (211B). Block of four with top "STEAMER-" selvage, original gum, h.r. where perf separations sensibly reinforced (split between rows), still Fine, desirable with the imprint selvage which clearly demonstrates the special nature of the printing press used for this issue, with 1959 P.F. certificate, Scott value as normal block
1c Ultramarine (212). Mint N.H., brilliant color, choice centering with well-balanced margins, fresh and Extremely Fine, with 1993 P.S.E. and 2002 P.F. certificates
2c Green (213). Mint N.H., radiant color, Jumbo margins, Extremely Fine Gem, a huge stamp, ex Curtis, with 2002 P.F. and 2006 P.S.E. certificates (XF 90 Jumbo)
3c Vermilion (214). Mint N.H., vibrant color, well-proportioned margins, Extremely Fine, with 2020 P.S.E. certificate (XF 90)
5c Indigo (216). Original gum, h.r., deep rich color on bright paper, well-balanced margins, Extremely Fine, with 2019 P.F. certificate (XF 90)
5c Indigo, Imperforate (216P5; formerly 216a). Horizontal pair, large and even margins, deep rich color, Very Fine and choice, with 2024 P.S.E. certificate (OGph, VF 80, unpriced in SMQ)
30c Orange Brown (217). Original gum, lightly hinged, deep rich color, unusually wide margins, Extremely Fine, a huge stamp, this denomination is scarce with such wide margins, ex Hansen, with 1970, 1993 and 2009 P.F. certificates